Greenwich CT, Waterfront by Matt McKay

Perched high above Long Island Sound in Greenwich, Connecticut, this reimagined residence blends historical elegance with modern sensibilities, a testament to Matt McKay’s nuanced design approach.

Originally built in the 1920s, the home has been transformed to meet the needs of a young family, offering a balance of traditional charm and contemporary functionality. The project began when McKay was approached by the homeowners prior to their purchase of the property, seeking his expertise into its potential. The original structure had been compromised by an unsuccessful early-2000s renovation, leading McKay to envision a restoration that honoured the home’s roots while introducing modern elements. “The facade was a mess of postmodern glass and poor detailing,” recalls McKay. He worked closely with architect Marcus Ziemke, who assisted in drafting and coordinating the project, ensuring that the result was both timeless and practical.

The central part of the home retains its double-hung windows and traditional shutters, reflecting a return to the elegance of early Greenwich architecture.

McKay drew inspiration from projects he’d studied in the United Kingdom, where traditional and contemporary styles are often interwoven, while also grounding his design in the character of Greenwich. “I studied the neighbourhood of Greenwich to pull more traditional details that felt appropriate for the setting,” he explains. This careful consideration of context allowed him to blend classical detailing with contemporary forms, creating a home that feels both timeless and relevant to modern living. The central part of the home retains its double-hung windows and traditional shutters, reflecting a return to the elegance of early Greenwich architecture. Meanwhile, contemporary additions – constructed from blackened steel and glass – provide a bold contrast, giving the house an eclectic, layered feel.

Inside, large expanses of glass frame stunning views of Long Island Sound, further reinforcing the home’s connection to its surroundings. A standout feature is the kitchen, encased in glass on three sides, which offers sweeping vistas of the water and the property’s side yard. With seven bedrooms and eight full bathrooms, the home accommodates family life effortlessly. “We focused on making the interior very liveable and practical, with lots of storage and space to play,” says McKay. The generous primary suite includes a lounge area, a double vanity bath and two large dressing rooms, while the basement features luxurious amenities like a cinema, wine room and spa area.

A standout feature is the kitchen, encased in glass on three sides, which offers sweeping vistas of the water and the property’s side yard.

Throughout the home, white oak floors and elegant quartzite stone bring warmth and sophistication, while unexpected touches, like floating mirrors suspended from the ceiling in the primary bathroom and a glass-enclosed kitchen with floating shelves, add a modern, airy feel.

These details reflect McKay’s signature approach, blending the best of traditional and modern sensibilities to create homes that are not only beautiful but functional and enduring. By balancing this, McKay has created a home where the rhythms of everyday family life can unfold with ease, all within a setting that feels timeless, much like the landscape it overlooks.

Architecture and interiors by Matt McKay.